BOARD CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

MINUTES

Monday, June 2, 2003

Members of the Board Curriculum Committee met on Monday, June 2, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in Superintendent’s Conference Room A of the Education Center. Present were Curriculum Committee Members, William Nelson, Monty Perfetti, and Richard Agretto and Board Members, Loretta Leeson, Craig Haytmanek, Charlene Koch, Margaret Williams, Rosario Amato, Julie Venanzi and Joe Craig. Also in attendance were Superintendent Joseph A. Lewis and Assistant Superintendent Michele Kostem.

Open Forum

Loretta Leeson asked the number of students enrolled in AP and Honors courses and the number of students that scored at three or above. Dr. Lewis will get back to her with this information. She also suggested that music be offered at the end of the day in the high schools. Margaret Williams suggested giving credit to students, that participate in a varsity sport, towards their physical education grade.

Spelling Adoption, Grades 1-5

Carol Turoczi introduced the members of her committee who explained the process used to evaluate the proposed spelling programs. The team originally met in June, 2002, and began by reviewing what they felt were the major components of a new program: needs, goals, instruction, assessment and reporting to parents. From there they developed a list of criteria that a new program should meet. Several programs were piloted for eight weeks. It was decided to adopt the Zaner Bloser program. A sample lesson from the grade three level was reviewed with those present at the meeting. The new program places emphasis on phonemic awareness. Staff development will occur in August. Joe Craig asked for a comparative study in a few years to determine if this program has made a difference.

Regional Academic Standards Academy Update

Jill Moran presented Judy Gehman, who is serving as the external evaluator for the Academy. Mrs. Gehman noted that she has found the Academy to be very well organized, using a consistent Code of Conduct, a high level of engagement from the staff, and an overall high level of enthusiasm throughout the building. Students are actively involved and show a positive attitude. The attendance data shows that there is a less than 10% absence rate. Ms. Moran contributed the success of the program to the following: small class size, extended school hours, two summer orientation programs, theme based instruction, and the use of technology. She noted that 50% of the students are closing their achievement gap. Only ten students will be retained at the Academy. Those students with limited progress, will move on to the middle schools in a smaller setting and with very strong support. The Academy maintained a high level of communication with parents. The use of technology provided huge motivation for the students. Mrs. Gehman recommended adding a reading specialist to the program. She also suggested a stronger emphasis on art and music. She noted that the fine arts have a high impact on the other instructional areas. In response to a concern from Joe Craig, it was noted that the students moving on to middle school will be carefully monitored by the family development specialist and middle school guidance counselors. Mrs. Leeson asked for a final report on student achievement at the end of the school year.

Code of Conduct Modifications –Waiver and Cellular Phones

Mr. Perfetti presented the proposed modifications to the Code of Conduct. Students will be permitted to possess cell phones, but are prohibited from the use of the cell phones during school hours and school sponsored activities. The District assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones. A formal hearing for expulsion is required, unless a “Waiver of Expulsion Hearing and Stipulation” endorsed by the District, parent/guardian, and student has been submitted.

International Field Trip Request

Mr. Perfetti brought to the Committee a request from Freedom High School to allow the band to participate in a field trip to Ireland in March. After a brief discussion, it was decided that Mr. Perfetti will tell Mr. Moran to proceed with the planning for the trip, arrange for insurance, and that the trip will be reviewed in more detail while a new policy is being considered.

Other

Charlene Koch asked if there was any decision made about allowing people living outside of the Bethlehem Area School District boundaries to speak at public Board Meetings. Dr. Lewis will confer with the school district attorney.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Minutes Prepared By: ______________________________

Lynda Ruth, Confidential Secretary